Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The other reason that has been put forward for pulling in
dogs even to the point of gasping for breath in obvious discomfort is
what’s called an opposition reflex. As soon as they feel pressure
against their necks or chests, they reflexively lean into it… So given
what you are up against, it is prudent to begin anti-pull training from
day one, rather than waiting till the dog has an entrenched pulling
addiction.

..dogs have an opposition reflex meaning that their
normal response to being pulled in a given direction is to pull in the
opposite direction, so their default when the leash is tight is to pull
it even tighter

Dog’s have an opposition reflex meaning that if they are
pulled in one direction, their instinct is to pull in the opposite
direction. If pushed they will push against the force. This instinct
helps to maintain equilibrium. This reflex is why when an owner attempts
to put a leash on a young pup and pull him along, the pup digs in and
puts on the brakes. A leash is not meant to pull a dog. In fact, when a
dog is walking correctly, the leash should be slack, resembling the
letter ‘J’

As they push and pull, they feel the stiffness in the
dogs’ muscles, as an automatic opposition reflex causes the dogs to push
back against the pressure. They can also see on the dog’s faces,
increasing confusion and fear. In fact, the trainers can no longer not
see the stress they are causing.